Meet Ashley Toledo at Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches in Florida

Ashley grew up in Miami, FL, where she developed an early appreciation for community and mental health awareness. She received her nursing degree from Florida International University and went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practice at St. Thomas University. She is passionate about mental health care and helping others live their best lives. Ashley believes in taking the time to truly get to know her patients, understanding their unique perspective and experiences, and supporting them in reaching their goals. Her approach is to walk alongside each person at their own pace, creating a safe and supportive environment built on compassion, empathy, and respect.

Ashley’s interest in psychiatry truly began while caring for patients during the height of Covid. She remembers one patient who told her that the hardest part of being in the hospital wasn’t the illness itself, it was the isolation. That conversation stayed with her. It made her realize how deeply emotional and psychological struggles can affect a person’s physical recovery and outlook on life. From that point on, Ashley knew she wanted to dedicate her career to mental health.
 
Ashley wants to provide treatment but also connection, understanding, and a sense of hope when people need it most. Ashley believes that mental health is the foundation of overall well-being. During her time as a bedside nurse, she saw firsthand how much patients struggled emotionally with illness, fear, loneliness, and uncertainty. It became clear to her that true healing goes beyond physical health. Ashley wanted to be in a position where she could genuinely listen, support, and help people find balance and hope again. Her aspiration as a provider is to make every person feel seen, understood, and empowered to take an active role in their mental health journey.

Ashley’s philosophy of care is centered on empathy, collaboration, and meeting patients where they are. She believes that healing and growth happen when patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to make decisions at their own pace. She focuses on guiding patients gently, providing clear, structured plans, and celebrating small steps of progress. She also emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person: mind, body, and environment. Ultimately, her goal is to create a collaborative, welcoming space where patients feel understood and motivated to engage in their own care.
 
During her time as a pediatric psychiatric nurse, she cared for many foster children who had experienced significant trauma and instability. This experience highlighted for Ashley how crucial mental health support is, especially for those who feel vulnerable or isolated. She saw firsthand that helping patients manage their emotions, build coping skills, and feel heard could make a profound difference in their lives.
 
Ashley has had a few family members who have struggled with mental health and witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for them to seek help due to the stigma that can exist in the Hispanic community. This experience motivates her to connect with her own community and work to break down barriers around mental health care. She strives to normalize seeking psychiatric support, even if it’s just for an initial evaluation, and to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where every person feels comfortable discussing their mental health.

When patients come to see Ashley, they can expect a calm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where their concerns are heard. She provides clear guidance and reassures them that they are not alone. Ashley sees patients ages 10 and up, to geriatrics. She believes that nurturing mental health early on can give children the coping skills and confidence they need to thrive as adults. Helping young people build this foundation is one of the most meaningful parts of her work. She is passionate about mental health care for all ages and enjoys helping people live their best lives. She believes every person deserves to be heard, supported, and guided with kindness and expertise. She works with each person on their journey toward healing, growth, and lifelong well-being. She strongly believes in meeting patients where they are. Ashley is patient, guiding every person gently toward healthier choices, and providing clear, structured plans that allow them to see their progress in small, manageable steps. She aims to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered, not pressured, and can engage in their treatment at a pace that works for them.

Ashley is often described as empathetic, approachable, caring, dependable, supportive, welcoming, and easy to talk to. She strives to create a safe and welcoming environment where people feel heard and empowered to actively participate in their care. While growing up, Ashley participated in dance, which taught her valuable skills that she brings to her patient care, such as discipline, perseverance, and being part of a team. In her free time, Ashley enjoys activities that help her relax and recharge. She likes going on walks, watching movies, learning new recipes, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys interior design and self-care activities that help her feel balanced and refreshed.